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61C1 Career Guide

Air Force

61C1: Research Scientist

Career transition guide for Air Force Research Scientist (61C1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 61C1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Research Scientist

$98K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry knowledgeGrant writing

Data Scientist

$120K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Machine learningCloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop)

Project Manager

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PMP certificationAgile methodologies

Management Consultant

$110K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Business acumenClient relationship managementIndustry certifications

Technical Writer

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Technical writing certificationProficiency in specific documentation software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 61C1 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a Research Scientist, you create models to simulate and understand complex systems, which is vital for predicting outcomes and optimizing research strategies within the Air Force.

This ability to model systems translates directly to the civilian world, where you can apply it to create simulations, analyze complex data, and forecast trends in various industries.

Resource Optimization

You managed budgets, personnel, and equipment to ensure efficient research project completion, balancing competing needs and maximizing the impact of available resources.

In the civilian sector, this expertise will allow you to effectively allocate resources in financial planning, logistics, or operational management, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.

After-Action Analysis

You consistently reviewed research outcomes, assessed methodologies, and extracted lessons learned to improve future project design and execution, ensuring continuous improvement in research processes.

Your experience in after-action analysis makes you well-suited for roles in quality assurance, risk management, and process improvement, where you can evaluate past performance and develop strategies for enhanced efficiency.

Pattern Recognition

You identified trends and anomalies in research data to derive insights and make informed recommendations, using your scientific expertise to understand complex datasets.

This skill can be applied in fields such as data analytics, market research, and business intelligence, where you can leverage your ability to spot patterns and trends to inform strategic decisions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Financial Analyst

SOC 13-2051

You've been analyzing complex data and managing budgets in your military role; as a Financial Analyst, you’ll apply these skills to assess investment opportunities and provide financial recommendations. Your knack for optimization will ensure resources are effectively allocated, contributing to sound financial strategies.

Management Consultant

SOC 13-1111

You've been planning and managing research programs, making you well-prepared to advise businesses on improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Your experience in resource optimization and after-action analysis will enable you to identify areas for improvement and develop strategic plans for organizational success.

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051

You've been analyzing research data and identifying trends, which are essential skills for a Data Scientist. Your ability to recognize patterns and model systems will be invaluable in helping organizations make data-driven decisions and develop innovative solutions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Research Scientist Training Program, Wright-Patterson AFB

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in research methods and statistics recommended

Topics Covered

  • •Research methodologies and design
  • •Statistical analysis and modeling
  • •Technical writing and reporting
  • •Program and project management
  • •Data analysis and interpretation
  • •Ethical research practices
  • •Grant writing and funding acquisition

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Project Management Professional (PMP)60% covered

PMBOK guide knowledge, specific project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum), and application processes.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)70% covered

Federal regulations related to research, compliance, IRB processes, and grant administration specifics.

Recommended Next Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Black BeltCertified Analytics Professional (CAP)Program Management Professional (PgMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) research databasesAcademic and industry research repositories (e.g., IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect)
Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)Government or industry-specific technical report databases
High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) resourcesCloud-based high-performance computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure)
MATLAB (with specific toolboxes relevant to research area, e.g., Simulink)MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
Air Force Modeling and Simulation Training Toolkit (AFMSTT)Commercial modeling and simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Simio)
DoD contracts management systemsProject management and procurement software (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud)
Air Force publications and forms management systemDocument management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Google Workspace)

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